Kuala Lampur:Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan emphasized the need for talent development to align with the country's economic direction as artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and the green economy are transforming the job landscape and skills required.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan highlighted that while the government can attract investment and technology and develop new industries, a lack of skilled talent could pose challenges. Speaking at the opening of MyBakat Week organized by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) at the Connexion Conference and Event Centre (CCEC), he stressed the importance of anticipating job growth, identifying necessary skills, and preparing Malaysians to seize these opportunities.
Ramanan noted that the advancement of AI must be matched by efforts to enhance workforce capabilities to ensure society does not fall behind. He acknowledged that while AI impacts all segments and may cause job losses, it simultaneously creates new job opportunities.
In response, he announced that TalentCorp, in partnership with Ernst and Young, is offering 22,000 free AI training places across the nation through the Jelajah AI Mahir roadshow. At the event, he also launched the National Talent Readiness Index Platform (MyTRI) and the MyBakat Incubation Programme (MyBIG), initiatives designed to strengthen TalentCorp's strategy for assessing readiness levels, identifying gaps, and developing talent according to industry needs.
Ramanan explained that MyTRI helps identify talent readiness and gaps, while MyBIG focuses on developing talent based on industry requirements, forming an ecosystem for future workforce development. He added that TalentCorp will fund skills training, with program durations typically lasting less than a year, depending on expertise levels.
Regarding Budget 2027, Ramanan stated that the ministry will concentrate on upskilling and reskilling efforts to increase the number of skilled workers. He also emphasized that the influx of foreign investments into Malaysia necessitates prioritizing job opportunities for Malaysians over foreign workers.